I love the old hymns, ‘When the Roll is Called up Yonder, The Old Rugged Cross, Blessed Assurance, How Great Thou Art, What a Friend we Have in Jesus’….and so many more whose words have lifted my spirit and blessed my soul in so many ways. Just as words of scripture we have hidden in our hearts are brought to mind when we need them most, the words of these hymns can soothe the hurting soul and remind us what a wonderful and loving Lord we serve.
The Bible tells us in Ephesians 5: 18-20 ….be filled with the Spirit; Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;
When we sing these hymns let’s not just recall the words, but pay close attention to their meaning….
“Just as I am, without one plea….but that Thy blood was shed for me….and that Thou bidst me come to Thee….Oh Lamb of God, I come.” This hymn, written by Charlotte Elliott in 1834, is still one of the most loved invitational hymns today. Ms. Elliott was thirty-two years old when she was stricken by a disabling disease that often left her feeling angry and helpless. Encouraged by her spiritual mentor, she was able to find peace and relief from her suffering by simply putting her faith in God. It was 14 years later when she recalled that event that she wrote the verses to ‘Just as I am.’
“Just as I am, and waiting not…to rid my soul of one dark blot…To Thee whose blood can cleanse each spot….Oh, Lamb of God, I come.” What a relief to know there IS a Savior who can and will forgive our every sin. Why put it off any longer?
Everyone who has accepted our Lord’s invitation to come to Him and found forgiveness are most likely familiar with the feelings described within this verse…. “Just as I am, tho’ tossed about, with many a conflict and many a doubt”….”Fightings within and fears without….Oh Lamb of God, I come.” All important decisions take serious consideration and are usually wrought with doubt. The decision to give your heart to Jesus is not always easy, but always the right one to make.
“Just as I am….poor, wretched, blind….”Sight(understanding of Him and who He is), riches (joy, peace, love), healing of the mind” ( help to sort out our thoughts and center them on Him)….These are the things we receive when we accept His invitation….”Yea, all I need in Thee to find….Oh, Lamb of God, I come.”
The One who IS who He said He was, will do what He promised to do and forgive us for all our sin. Yes, He will meet us right where we are….just as we are…. in any condition, if we’re ready to ask and willing to repent. The really good news is: Even though we are feeling helpless, poor, wretched, blind, doubtful and scared, we don’t have to remain that way!
“Just as I am, Thou wilt receive….wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve.” He’ll welcome us with open arms, pardon us of all sin, cleanse every dark spot, relieve the guilt and set us free…. Let’s sing it together….”Because Thy promise I believe. Oh, Lamb of God, I come!”
In Matthew 11: 28 Jesus says: “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”